Campbell Bay, July 11: In a daring mid-sea rescue operation, HQ Andaman and Nicobar Command & Indian Coast Guard, successfully rescued two foreign nationals – a 65-year-old US citizen and a 70-year-old Turkish national – from a US registered sailing yacht, Sea Angel, which was adrift in extremely rough sea conditions due to engine and sail failure south of Great Nicobar.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Sri Vijaya Puram received a distress message from the US Consulate General, Chennai, regarding the sailing yacht ‘Sea Angel’, stranded approximately 50 nautical miles south of Indira Point, Great Nicobar, following an engine breakdown. The yacht had departed Sabang Island, Indonesia, on 09 July en route to Sri Lanka but encountered extremely rough sea conditions during the night of 09/10 July.
Severe weather and high wind speeds tore away the yacht’s mainsail, causing sail ropes to get entangled with the propellers, resulting in complete engine failure. With both propulsion systems disabled, the yacht was left drifting in perilous conditions.
Acting swiftly the Andaman & Nicobar Command coordinated the search and rescue mission in which. Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer, stationed at Campbell Bay, was immediately tasked for the operation. Braving heavy swells and low visibility, ICGS Rajveer reached the area just before dusk.
Despite adverse sea conditions and fading light, the crew of ICGS Rajveer undertook a daring and high-risk operation to rescue the distressed mariners. The two crew members were safely evacuated, given initial medical attention, and the disabled yacht was secured for towing. After several hours of challenging operations, the yacht was safely brought alongside Campbell Bay harbour by 0800 hrs on 11 July 2025.
This courageous rescue mission stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the ANC towards safeguarding lives at sea, upholding its proud motto – “Sanghe Shakti”.